Tipplers in Delhi can expect wider choices, cheaper prices

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The Delhi government’s new excise policy aims to promote consumer choice, be it popular liquor brands or niche ones. Due to this, the government is also set to rake in a good amount of money through auction of retail licenses in 32 zones. The moot question, however, is whether the consumer will benefit from the proposed changes in the Excise Policy of 2021-22.

What customers stand to gain

Going by the proposed changes in excise policy, consumers stand to gain a lot. Here is a small list of customer benefits which includes, A walk-in experience for customers at alcohol shops, multiple choices of brands, discounts on MRP, promotion of microbreweries, extension of the timing of bars in hotels, clubs, and restaurants in Delhi till 3:00 AM.

Licenses have also been given to operate round-the-clock service of liquor. Since the new policy is aimed at minimising corruption and providing fair competition in the liquor trade, customers can expect a better experience at outlets for cheaper prices.

The new policy recommends pricing norms for the registration of various brands of liquor in the national capital and sales outside Delhi. The new norm now depends on the price of a brand of liquor and its sales figures outside the national capital.

L-7Z licenses

Under the new policy, a new license, L-7Z, would be allotted to the highest bidder for a zone. Tenders have been floated for L-7V (Indian and foreign liquor) licenses in 32 zones in which the city has been divided. The initial bidding of 20 zones has brought in Rs 5,300 crore in excise revenue and about Rs 8,800 crore is estimated to be earned in the overall bidding process, according to a Times of India report.